By: Cherry Rose Javier: Fourth Year Adviser
Some of you may ask, “What is a Cenacle?” Cenacle is defined two ways: First, it is a group of people such as a discussion group; and Second, it refers to an upper room in which the Last Supper was held wherein the apostles gathered together in prayer with the Blessed Mother and the Holy Spirit descended upon them.
However, the Cenacle of Prayers of today is a form of activity approved by the Marian Movement of Priests wherein the laity gather with the clergy to pray with the Blessed Mother. This is in response to the Blessed Mother’s request that the religious and the faithful should gather together to pray fervently for the salvation of souls. Based on accounts, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared many times to Father Stefano Gobbi who wrote a “Blue Book” compiling the messages of Virgin Mary and thereafter published the same so as everyone could recite it especially those who are in need. Cenacles can be formed anywhere in the world and it could be prayed in smaller or big groups.
At the School of Saint John Bosco, the Mary Help of Christians Cenacle Group spearheaded the said Cenacle of Prayers which was attended by teachers, parents and students. The Cenacle activity at the School of Saint John Bosco was launched last year during the month of the Holy Rosary. The Cenacle usually makes use of prayers such as the Holy Rosary, readings, meditations and flower offerings. At the School of St. John Bosco, the Cenacle included a Holy Mass, Holy Hour and the singing of Hymns such as Holy Ground, Come O Holy Spirit, Awit ng Santo Rosario, Salve Regina and Our Lady of Fatima.
For this year, the Cenacle of Prayers are usually held at the School on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. which highlights among others the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role as the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. The said Group encouraged not only the school community but also the Catholic community of Calumpang, Liliw, Laguna to join the said Cenacle of prayers.
The holding of the Cenacle of Prayers during this time of Advent season is timely and meaningful as we prepare ourselves for the first coming of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. We can offer it also to the Blessed Mother as our gift to her during her feast day of the Immaculate Conception!